Thursday June 2 Ag News

Sallie Atkins to Serve as Smith’s Agriculture Director

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) announced today Sallie Atkins of Halsey has joined his staff as Agriculture Director.  Atkins will lead engagement efforts on statewide agriculture issues and serve as the liaison for Third District producers, agriculture groups, and other stakeholders.    

Atkins brings more than 30 years of experience in Nebraska agriculture, including having served as central Nebraska director of constituent services for Senator Mike Johanns.  Most recently, Atkins was regional director of membership for the Nebraska Farm Bureau.

Atkins has also served as executive director and chairman of the Nebraska Beef Council, vice president of Nebraska Cattlemen, and board chairman of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council.  Additionally, she has been active in Nebraska 4-H and FFA.  Her work on the Nebraska State Fair earned her the 2011 Nebraska Volunteer of the Year award.

“With our goal of providing top-notch service to farmers and ranchers throughout the Third District, Sallie’s wealth of experience makes her the perfect person to lead these efforts,” Smith said.  “Her impressive credentials reflect her firsthand knowledge of producers’ needs and concerns.  I am excited to welcome Sallie to the team and look forward to working with her to serve the country’s top-producing agriculture district.”

Atkins and her husband, Alan, farm and ranch in Thomas County.  



FSBC Assures Grassroots Foundation
Steve Hanson, Chairman, Federation of State Beef Councils

                Sometimes being the chairman of an organization is little more than an honorary position. You lead some meetings, you get new passages for your biography. I’m thankful being chairman of the Federation of State Beef Councils is much more than that.

                The role of the Federation Chairman mirrors that of the Federation itself. We’re an organization that represents organizations – the country’s 43 Qualified State Beef Councils, to be exact. The Federation is the state beef council voice at the national level in the beef checkoff, helping assure the Beef Checkoff Program is a partnership between state and national interests – which is important if you want to have a truly grassroots program.

                Qualified State Beef Councils collect the $1-per-head checkoff assessment in their states, and are allowed to keep half of what they have for research, education and promotion programs that are identified by the boards in their states. The remaining 50 cents is sent to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (CBB), which administers the national Beef Checkoff Program, subject to USDA approval. The Federation is where we help get those halves coordinated, assuring efficiency and effectiveness by keeping state “boots on the ground” part of the equation.
 
Still Important
                Having served as member and chairman of the Nebraska Beef Council, I understand how important the grassroots component of the checkoff is – and has been since the checkoff began. There are more than 700 producers who sit on state beef council boards, and we expect as much out of the money we spend at the state level as we do from funds we forward on to CBB.

                 About 100 of the 700 producers on state boards also serve as Federation directors nationally. Those directors weigh in by evaluating and approving those checkoff-funded projects conducted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. (They also serve on joint checkoff advisory committees reviewing all contractors and contracts that are pieces of the checkoff.)  

                 There’s another way state beef councils impact the $1-per-head checkoff: They provide representatives who sit at the decision-making table for all checkoff programs. The Federation elects 10 members of the Beef Promotion Operating Committee, which determines how the national 50 cents of the dollar will be spent. (The Cattlemen’s Beef Board elects the other 10 members.)

                As chairman of the Federation, I act as the vice-chairman of the BPOC. Yes, in the end I’m still only one voice of 20. But having experience with the structure, format and intent of the BPOC, and having a seat at the head of the table, I work diligently to make sure proposals that come before the body get the honest, careful consideration they deserve.
 
Expanding Markets
                As Federation Chair I also have the opportunity to serve on the executive committee of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, which manages international marketing programs for U.S. beef. USMEF’s mission is to increase the value and profitability of U.S. beef and other meat industries by enhancing demand for our products in export markets. Certainly, that’s a mission of the Federation, as well.

                When you look at the entire picture, it may sound complicated. But when you get right down to it, the construction of the Beef Checkoff Program helps assure that all voices are heard, and that the checkoff remains a program controlled by grassroots beef producers who pay into the program. I’m honored to have been chosen to lead the terrific team of producers who are overseeing the 2016-17 program of work, and have the chance to represent my fellow beef producers at the national level.

                Steve Hanson operates a family farm and ranch in Southwest Nebraska with his son, the fifth generation on that operation.




Current National Drought Summary
droughtmonitor.unl.edu

The past week’s weather brought about a mixed bag of changes to the U.S. Drought Monitor map, with expansion of dryness and/or drought noted in the Northeast, Southeast, upper Great Lakes, northern Plains and Pacific Northwest. The most notable expansions this week are the advancement of D0 across the northern Cascades in Washington up to the Canadian border and the expansion of D0-D1 and a new area of D2 in the Southeast centered over northern Georgia, northern Alabama and southern Tennessee. For the most part, unseasonably warm temperatures were found east of the Rocky Mountains (with the exception being California), particularly in the Midwest, Upper Great Lakes and Northeast, where readings ran 5-15 degrees above the norm. On the other side of the spectrum, cooler-than-normal temperatures were observed across much of the West as Mother Nature always seems to find a way to balance the scales.

The Plains
Again, heavy rains pounded eastern Texas, parts of eastern Oklahoma and eastern Kansas. Recent rains have also led to the trimming or removal D0 across western Texas and the Texas Panhandle. Farther north, recent dryness and more seasonable temperatures have led to an expansion of D0 in western South Dakota and into northeastern Wyoming. Rains in northwest North Dakota and parts of eastern North Dakota have led to the reduction of D0 there.

Midwest
This week’s map brings expansion of D0 to parts of northeastern and southwestern Wisconsin, extreme northeastern Iowa and extreme southeastern Minnesota as temperatures soared to well above normal readings (5 to 10 degrees).The dryness has been around for the past 30-60 days, but cooler temperatures have kept impacts at bay for the most part. That could change quickly now with summer temperatures coming into play, and these above-normal temperatures are forecasted to persist for at least the next couple of weeks. D0 was also introduced this week in central and south-central Iowa with that dryness spilling into extreme north-central Missouri as well. On the improvement side, good rains in extreme northwestern Minnesota led to some trimming of the D0 there.

Looking Ahead
The NWS WPC 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) (June 1-8, 2016) is showing a very dry week on tap west of the continental divide. Heavy rains are expected in the southern Plains, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, southern Florida, the middle Appalachians and New England. The West will also warm up under some strong ridging as temperatures are expected to be running 6-18 degrees above normal for this time of year. Cooler weather should persist over this period in Texas, the Midwest, the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast.

Under strong model and forecast tool agreement, CPC’s 6-10 day outlooks are showing a strong ridge building in the West and extending into the central and northern Plains. Temperatures here will likely be running well above normal for the period June 7-11. Temperatures across Alaska and the Southeast also look to be above normal while the Northeast is most likely to experience below-normal temperatures during this time frame. As for precipitation, the odds are tilted toward above-normal totals in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, the northern Great Basin and northern New England. The odds are not looking good in the central and southern Great Plains, Midwest, Gulf Coast region (except for southern Florida), and Mid-Atlantic, with rainfall looking likely to be below normal through early June.



Western Iowa No-till Field Day set for June 21

The Western Iowa No-till (WIN) Demonstration Field Day, scheduled for June 21st at the Carstens 1880 Farmstead south of Shelby, Iowa, will address a wide variety of topics for local producers interested in learning more about the practical management of soil heath, fertility and alternative crop rotation systems. Registration opens at 8 AM, with coffee and rolls provided by Farm Credit Services of America. Local agribusinesses will also be on hand beginning at 8 AM to visit with producers in the morning and showcase their services/equipment.

The field day program begins at 9 AM with rotating breakout sessions. John Sawyer, Iowa State University Agronomy Department, will cover nitrogen application timing and rates, while Rick Bednarek, State Soil Scientist with USDA-NRCS discusses maintaining and managing soil health. The breakout sessions will be followed at 11 AM by an overview of 2016 Iowa Weather & Long-Term Trends, presented by Harry Hillaker, State Climatologist with IDALS.  At 11:45, the program will break for lunch, with a barbeque lunch available on grounds for $5. After lunch, Matt Liebman, Iowa State University, will discuss the benefits of diversifying corn-soybean rotations by adding a non-traditional crop. To wrap up the program, Tim Youngquist, Iowa State University Ag Specialist, will give an overview of the STRIPS Trial project- Science-based Trials of Row-crops Integrated with Prairie Strips- and discuss project implementation in a row-crop setting.

Anyone with an interest in the practical application and impact of soil conservation practices, whether looking for ideas to begin adopting no-till practices or a long-time producer looking to improve production results, is encouraged to attend this field day.  There is no charge to attend this event, but pre-registration is requested by June 15th to ensure a lunch will be available. A barbeque lunch, with sides, dessert and a drink, will be available for $5 the day of the event. Registration can be completed by e-mailing csgorham@iastate.edu or by calling the Harrison County Extension Office at 888-644-2105. More information is available at many local ISU Extension and NRCS offices, or can be found online at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass.

The field day is brought to you by NRCS, ISU Extension and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) in Harrison, East & West Pottawattamie, Cass and Shelby Counties, along with many local supporting agribusinesses. 2016 Business Sponsors include Farm Bureau in East & West Pottawattamie, Shelby & Harrison Counties, Avoca Seed, Cyclone Seed, HTS Ag, Farmers and Merchants State Bank, Heartland Ag, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Sorensen Equipment Co. and United Bank of Iowa.

USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.  USDA, SWCD and Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or disability.  Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in meetings/events/functions should contact Dale DuVal at 712-644-2210, Ext 3, (Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339) or Dale.DuVal@ia.usda.gov by June 15.



World Pork Expo will Host Pork Professionals from Around the World

World Pork Expo offers innovation, networking and education as more than 20,000 pork producers and ag professionals from across the world convene June 8-10 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), Expo showcases the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, educational seminars, national youth swine shows, open shows and sales, as well as tasty grilled pork and more. Producers, exhibitors and media from approximately 48 countries are expected to attend the 2016 event.

“For anyone interested in pork production, World Pork Expo offers a well-rounded experience. There are seminars where you can hear about the latest research, shop the trade show to see what’s new, and network with fellow pork producers,” says John Weber, NPPC president and pork producer from Dysart, Iowa. “Expo is a great place to re-charge your engine and return home with new ideas.”

Weber encourages attendees to stop by the NPPC booth or hospitality tent to visit with the staff and leadership who advocate for pork businesses every day. “It’s an opportunity to learn about what’s been achieved and what lies ahead,” he adds.

The trade show is the centerpiece of Expo, giving pork producers a one-stop venue to compare products, services and technologies for their businesses. Hundreds of companies based in North America, Asia and Europe will fill exhibit space that spans more than 310,000 square feet. The trade show will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, and Thursday, June 9, as well as from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 10.

“The outdoor exhibit space has been expanded and there are more hospitality tents this year, so there’s even more to explore,” says Sheila Warrick, Expo’s general manager. “Attendees should be sure to allow enough time to see everything that Expo has to offer.”

Another big show for the Junior National
The World Pork Expo Junior National is ranked among the nation’s premier youth swine shows. This year a record 1,290 youth from 32 states will participate in a variety of events, including a Skillathon, judging contests, certification programs and live hog shows. Hosted by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred, the Expo Junior National begins on Monday, June 6, with events and shows running through June 10. All activities will take place in the Swine Barn. As a special feature, classes in one of the two show rings will be live-cast as well as recorded for future viewing.

Total entries for both the Junior National and the open shows are projected to display 3,800 hogs, up slightly from 2015’s level of 3,200 hogs. The open show will take place on Friday, June 10, with breeding stock sales on Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to about noon.

There’s something for everyone
Expo is the place for pork producers to collect the most up-to-date information and select from more than a dozen free educational seminars. Experts will address business management, production technologies and future developments that will impact pork producers. Scheduled throughout Wednesday, June 8, and Thursday, June 9, both the Business Seminars and PORK Academy will take place in the Varied Industries Building.

MusicFest offers Expo attendees an opportunity to relax and enjoy a summer evening. This free concert runs from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, along Grand Avenue at the Fairgrounds. Kicking off this year’s lineup is Iowa native and The Voice contestant, Casey Muessigmann, whose passion for life shines through his high-energy country music. Headlining MusicFest are The Surf City Allstars, whose five members make up the only band to have played and sang with both the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean. The Surf City Allstars are hailed as the most authentic and committed Beach Boys tribute band.

There’s always plenty of mouthwatering pork at Expo, and the Big Grill is not to be missed. Iowa’s Tama County Pork Producers Association will once again serve free pork lunches hot off the Big Grill each day of Expo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There’s still time—head to World Pork Expo
“The 2016 World Pork Expo is just a few days away, but there’s still time for pork producers, their families and staff to join us in Des Moines,” Warrick says. “There’s certainly something for everyone, and we want every attendee to walk away from Expo with insights that are useful and beneficial to them.”

The entrance fee is $20 per adult and $3 for children ages 6 to 11; there is no charge for children 5 years of age and younger. This admission price includes entry into Expo all three days. A special rate of $10 is available for adults arriving on Friday.



Sorghum Growers: EPA Risk Assessment for Atrazine Departs from Science

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released its Draft Triazine Ecological Risk Assessments. The assessment determined the herbicide atrazine poses ecological risk to plants and animals including amphibians, birds, reptiles and mammals, which according to the National Sorghum Producers departs from extensive scientific research proving the safety of atrazine.

“National Sorghum Producers strongly disagrees with the methodology the EPA used to arrive at these results,” said Past Chairman J.B. Stewart, a sorghum farmer from Keyes, Oklahoma. “We feel the agency has abandoned a science-based approach even including studies in the review that the agency's own 2012 Scientific Advisory Panel said were flawed. The EPA has ignored years of analyses that show atrazine is safe. It’s one of the most studied chemicals in the U.S. and has been a proven and dependable herbicide for more than 50 years.”

National Sorghum Producers will soon be actively seeking input from its grower community once the draft ecological assessment is published in the Federal Register. EPA will be accepting public comments for 60 days after that time. After receiving and reviewing public comments, the agency will amend the assessments, as appropriate, the EPA said in a statement.

“This is a tool our farmers cannot stand to lose,” said NSP CEO Tim Lust. “The EPA continually brings forth challenges for the farm community and chooses to ignore the science, underscoring the importance to have a united and vocal showing from our farm community about the importance of this important crop-protection tool.”

Lust said NSP will continue to work with the EPA, Congress and the White House to help bring logic and science back to the assessment process.

Atrazine is being reviewed as part of the 15-year chemical re-registration process that started in 2007. The full study is available at epa.gov, and for future details on how to comment on the issue, visit sorghumgrowers.com.



NCGA Statement on EPA Ecological Risk Assessment on Atrazine

Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its ecological risk assessment on the pesticide atrazine. The following is a statement from Maryland farmer Chip Bowling, president of the National Corn Growers Association.

“No one cares more about the safety of agricultural pesticides than farmers. Farmers make use of pesticides on their farms to ensure an abundant, affordable food supply of foods for consumers all over the world. We care about keeping land, rivers, and ponds safe for our families, our neighbors, and our communities.

“Atrazine is a safe and effective crop management tool for farmers. It is widely used because it is among the most reliable herbicides available, and it plays a critical role in combating the spread of resistant weeds. It reduces soil erosion, increases crop yields, and improves wildlife habits. Over the last 50 years, atrazine has passed some of the most rigorous safety testing in the world. More than 7,000 scientific studies have found atrazine to be safe.

“It is particularly concerning that EPA has chosen to base the ecological risk assessment for atrazine on studies their own Science Advisory Panel deemed ‘flawed’ just 4 years ago. This undermines public confidence in the review process and goes against the mission of using the best available science.

“Farming without atrazine could cost corn farmers up to $59 per acre, according to a 2012 study by the University of Chicago. That’s a cost many farmers cannot afford, and it would have ripple effects across the entire food and agriculture sector.

“In the coming weeks, we will be urging farmers and others who care about our rural economy to contact the EPA, and tell them to base their decision on sound science.”



EIA: US Ethanol Supply Flat

Weekly statistics from the Energy Information Administration released late morning were mixed for ethanol, with U.S. inventory unchanged although blending demand reached an all-time high.

EIA reported the national supply of ethanol was unchanged during the week ended May 27 at 20.8 million barrels (bbl), which is 700,000 bbl more than the comparable year ago period.

Refiner and blender net inputs of ethanol increased 6,000 barrels per day (bpd) to a 922,000 bpd record high during the week leading up the Memorial Day holiday weekend -- the kickoff to peak driving demand in the United States. The weekly input rate was up a sharp 48,000 bpd, or 5.5%, from year prior.

Blending demand during the four weeks ended May 27 was 912,000 bpd, 18,000 bpd or 2.0% more than during the comparable period in 2015.

U.S. ethanol production plants revved up output during the week profiled, climbing 14,000 bpd to a 960,000 bpd three-week high. During the four weeks ended May 20, domestic ethanol output averaged 954,000 bpd, on par with year prior's 953,000 bpd production rate.

Implied gasoline demand surged 200,000 bpd during the week ended May 27 to 9.716 million bpd -- the second highest weekly demand rate of 2016. Cumulatively from Jan. 1 through May 27, gasoline demand averaged 9.298 million bpd, 382,000 bpd, or 4.3%, above the same period in 2015.



Meat Industry Hall of Fame Introduces 2016 Inductees

The Meat Industry Hall of Fame is proud to announce the Members of the Class of 2016. The Class was selected from a distinguished list of nominees and a record number of votes were cast by current members of the Hall of Fame and the organization's Board of Trustees.

Members of the Class of 2016 are
** Clayton Yeutter, US Secretary of Agriculture (1989 to 1991) and Counselor to the President (1992);
** Chuck Hendryx, Vice President, Meat, H -E -B Grocery Company;
** Dr. Joe Sebranek, Professor, Iowa State University;
** Sam Stein, Founder and Chairman, Chef's Pantry and Sam Stein Associates;
** Dr. Joe Cordray, Professor and Extension Meat Specialist, Iowa State University;
** Sam Kane, Founder, Sam Kane Beef Processors; and
** C. Larry Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer, Smithfield Foods.

The 2016 Induction Ceremony will take place on January 31, 2017 during the International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta, GA.

To be qualified for nomination to the Hall of Fame, candidates must have contributed significant innovation, achieved notable business success or otherwise positively impacted their organization, institution or larger industry segment. In addition, those nominees chosen for induction must have undertaken noteworthy community service or philanthropy during their careers and upon retirement.



USDA Dairy Products April 2016 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 992 million pounds, 1.4 percent above April 2015 but 3.3 percent below March 2016.  Italian type cheese production totaled 437 million pounds, 3.7 percent above April 2015 but 4.8 percent below March 2016.  American type cheese production totaled 395 million pounds, 0.3 percent below April 2015 and 0.9 percent below March 2016.  Butter production was 176 million pounds, 6.4 percent above April 2015 but 3.3 percent below March 2016.

Dry milk powders (comparisons with April 2015)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 170 million pounds, down 6.0 percent.
Skim milk powders - 43.3 million pounds, up 30.7 percent.

Whey products (comparisons with April 2015)
Dry whey, total - 82.3 million pounds, up 5.3 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 87.6 million pounds, down 0.9 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 39.6 million pounds, down 7.1 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons with April 2015)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 71.2 million gallons, up 3.5 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 39.3 million gallons, down 1.1 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 3.59 million gallons, up 1.8 percent.



June Dairy Month is a time to recognize dairy’s nutritional and environmental benefits

More than 75 years since the annual celebration began, June Dairy Month continues to recognize dairy foods and the farmers who produce them. Beginning in 1937, the observance was created as a way to help distribute extra milk when cows started on pasture in the summer months. June Dairy Month’s rich history continues, with communities, companies and people from all over celebrating the many reasons why dairy makes sense for families and the environment.

Recently, the 2015 Dietary Guidelines reaffirmed dairy’s important place in the diet by maintaining its recommendation that people ages nine and older consume three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods every day. Dairy foods including milk, cheese and yogurt are full of vitamins and minerals and help build strong bones and healthy muscles, control blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease. In celebration of June Dairy Month, show your commitment to eating three servings of dairy every day by taking the Dairy 3 for Me pledge. Support your pledge by finding a new favorite dairy-inspired recipe, such as this Frosty Orange Banana Sipper made with milk and yogurt. At about 25 cents per 8-ounce serving of milk, families can count on dairy to be a nutritional bargain. “Dairy foods are good for your health and your budget, not to mention they taste great.” says Midwest Dairy Association registered dietitian Stephanie Cundith. “A pledge to three daily servings of dairy is a wise investment for many reasons.”

In addition to dairy’s contribution to healthy eating, dairy farmers contribute to protecting the environment through their longstanding commitment to sustainability. In fact, 8,000 Midwest dairy farm families work 365 days a year to ensure nutritious milk and dairy foods are available now and in the future while using a variety of conservation practices and on-farm efficiencies to reduce their environmental impact. Get to know a farmer by attending a June Dairy Month event in your state or meet a Midwest dairy farm family online.

For more dairy recipes, and dairy nutrition and farming information, visit MidwestDairy.com.



NFU Recognizes Family Farms in Celebration of National Dairy Month

For more than 75 years, milk and dairy products have been promoted every June in celebration of National Dairy Month. As consumers indulge in their favorite dairy products this month, National Farmers Union (NFU) is taking a step back to the farm gate to recognize the hardworking family farmers who are involved in dairy production across the U.S.

“National Dairy Month provides a great platform to educate consumers about U.S. dairy production and promote industry initiatives – such as the REAL® Seal – to dispel misinformation about dairy foods,” said Roger Johnson, president of NFU, an organization representing nearly 200,000 family farmers and ranchers nationwide, including members in nine of the top 10 milk producing states.

Created as a way to promote milk consumption in the late 1930s, National Dairy Month has evolved into an annual celebration of the dairy industry – an industry rooted by family farms nationwide, Johnson explained.

Unfortunately, the dairy industry has not been immune to the lagging farm economy that has impacted much of the farm sector. NFU, with the guidance of its members, is working with stakeholders to properly align the needs of dairy farmers with the existing safety net in order to ensure that dairy farmers are able to continue for future generations.

“Family dairy producers have faced an extended period of low milk prices and surplus production while adapting to policy changes that have provided little relief to the producer,” Johnson said.

Johnson added that it’s important to differentiate between the price of milk at the grocery store and the price of milk received by the dairy farmer. For a gallon of milk, farmers receive less than 35 percent of the cost the consumer pays.

The supply chain from the farm to the food aisle can leave consumers far removed from how their food is produced. This National Dairy Month, NFU encourages consumers to thank the dairy farmers producing milk on their farms in every state.



USDA Awards More Than $14.5 Million to Support Plant Health and Resilience Research

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today awarded more than $14.5 million in grants to support research into plant health, production and resilience. These grants were made through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational program, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and administered by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

"As global temperatures rise, we are already seeing that our crops and native plants are increasingly threatened by pests, diseases and invasive species," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Research into growing more resilient, stress tolerant crops that use water and nutrients more efficiently will offer farmers new tools to produce crops sustainably, and will benefit consumers with food security in the face of climate change and the loss of agricultural land."

Established by the 2008 Farm Bill and re-authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill, AFRI is the nation's premier competitive, peer-reviewed grants program for fundamental and applied agricultural sciences. In the seven years since AFRI was established, the program has led to true innovations and ground-breaking discoveries in agriculture to combat childhood obesity, improve and sustain rural economic growth, address water availability issues, increase food production, find new sources of energy, mitigate the impacts of climate variability and enhance resiliency of our food systems, and ensure food safety.

The grants were awarded through AFRI's Plant Health and Production and Plant Products (PHPPP) area, which supports basic and applied research in the following areas: understanding plant-associated microorganisms and plant-microbe interactions; controlling weedy and invasive plants; and plant-associated insects and nematodes.

Understanding Plant-Associated Microorganisms and Plant-Microbe Interactions:
    University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., $483,700
    University of California, Riverside, Calif., $500,000
    USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Fort Collins, Colo., $472,400
    University of Delaware, Newark, Del., $499,830
    University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill., $499,938
    Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., $500,000
    North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $150,000
    Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $499,980
    Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $499,970
    Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore., $498,780
    Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore., $15,000 (conference)
    Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $499,990
    Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $498,310
    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va., $15,000

Controlling Weedy and Invasive Plants:
    Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz., $500,000
    Chapman University, Orange, Calif., $69,178
    Wichita State University, Wichita, Kan., $430,882
    USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Stoneville, Miss., $500,000
    Montana State University, Bozeman, Mont., $158,744
    Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $272,078
    Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore., $500,000
    Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $500,000
    Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $500,000
    University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyo., $500,000

Plant-Associated Insects and Nematodes:
    University of California, Berkeley, Calif., $454,000
    USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Athens, Ga., $480,000
    University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky., $468,527
    Montana State University, Bozeman, Mont., $385,100
    University of New Hampshire, Durham, N.C., $149,800
    North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $133,000
    Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Ithaca, N.Y., $379,000
    New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, N.Y., $499,900
    Gordon Research Conference, West Kingston, R.I., $15,000 (conference)
    Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $499,500
    Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $454,000
    University of Houston, Houston, Texas, $150,000
    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va., $500,000
    University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc., $485,000
    USDA Forest Service, Madison, Wisc., $15,000 (conference)

To date, PHPPP has awarded more than $68 million to further progress and solve challenges in plant production through research, education, and extension. For example, University of Pennsylvania researchers are currently using funding to working to aid the pollination of plants by producing improved honey bee strains.



Farmer-Owned Cooperatives to Explore Joint Ownership of Michigan Cheese Plant

Three farmer-owned dairy cooperatives announced today that they have committed to exploring joint ownership and operation of a major cheese processing plant in the state of Michigan. The three cooperatives are Foremost Farms USA, Baraboo, Wisconsin; Dairy Farmers of America, Kansas City, Missouri, and Michigan Milk Producers Association, Novi, Michigan. All three have farmer-members located in the state.

This decision is driven by the growing milk supply in Michigan, the lack of available processing capacity within the region, market accessibility and transportation benefits.

“Michigan dairy producers own some of the most progressive and efficient dairy operations in the world, and they have positioned themselves to be a long-term supplier to domestic and global markets,” explained Michael Doyle, president & CEO, Foremost Farms USA. “Collectively, our respective organizations are extremely pleased we can come together to positively address this growing market.”

Greg Wickham, chief financial officer, Dairy Farmers of America, said, “Strategically, Michigan is well situated geographically to serve not only major U.S. markets, but also global markets. In addition to the quality milk supply in the region, it has a solid transportation infrastructure, one well served by major highways and various ports.”

“We are excited to potentially leverage the strengths and assets of our three cooperatives in order to accommodate the growing milk production in Michigan,” said Joe Diglio, general manager, Michigan Milk Producers Association. “Working collaboratively helps enhance our ability to better serve dairy producers in this region and align the marketing strengths of our organizations together.”

The plant is expected to process 6 million pounds of milk a day and make 220 million pounds of American-style cheese annually.